Michigan football may have thought the Connor Stalions sign-stealing scandal was behind them, but the NCAA’s ongoing investigation suggests harsher penalties could still be incoming for the Wolverines. While “UM” self-imposed a two-game suspension on HC Sherrone Moore, analysts believe it was just an attempt to lessen a more severe punishment.
College football analyst Craig Shemon isn’t convinced that Moore was unaware of what Stalions was doing. With Stalions calling signals from the sideline, the idea that no one else at Michigan noticed or participated raises serious doubts. Could Moore get a harsher punishment?
Analyst Warns That Sherrone Moore’s Role in Michigan Scandal May Lead to Bigger Fallout
If the two-game suspension was the harshest penalty Michigan imposed on HC Sherrone Moore, then it’s important to clarify that the university itself issued the suspension. Neither the NCAA nor the Big Ten has intervened in the matter yet, as a formal investigation has not been launched.
Speaking on the “Locked on Big 10“, Shemon warned that everyone should brace for a bigger suspension soon. He questioned whether Moore was truly unaware of Connor Stalion’s actions.
“Somebody had to know what Stalions was doing, right?” Shemon asked. “Either somebody or everybody may have known what was going on. I mean, Stallions was on the Wolverine sideline, barking signals all the time to all the other coaches.”
It seems like Michigan’s decision to ban Moore for Weeks 3 and 4 of the 2025 season was a smart move to avoid NCAA punishments.
“They know that a bigger suspension is coming, so they put a lower number out there,” Shemon explained, citing ESPN’s Pete Thamel.
“Maybe a starting point for negotiations. Maybe they think it’s going to be a six-game half the season, so they say two. Well, Michigan offers two. The NCAA wants six. They split the difference. Maybe it’s only four games only.”
Stalions, who left the program when the scandal broke, has maintained that he acted alone and that then-head coach Jim Harbaugh was unaware of the operation. But Shemon remains skeptical, pointing out that Stalions was actively involved on the sidelines, making it hard to believe that no one else knew.
Michigan recently appeared before the NCAA’s Committee on Infractions on June 6–7 to present its case. The school is currently facing 11 violations. Out of those, six are Level I infractions. Michigan is also labeled a repeat offender because it was previously investigated for recruiting violations during the COVID-19 dead period.
Experts believe the school could face more than just warnings. Possible punishments include a bowl ban or new recruiting restrictions.
As of now, though, the NCAA has not made its final decision. The ruling is expected in eight to 12 weeks. That means Michigan might face serious consequences before its season opener against New Mexico on August 30.
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